To prevent launching
a nuclear missile without direct orders from the National Command Authority
(the President and Secretary of Defense), command and control safeguards
are built into missile-firing procedures. Before departure on patrol,
the commanding officer receives a sealed package with required codes and
procedures, which are stored in a locked safe until needed. Only after
validating the receipt of proper authorization from the President are
missiles prepared for launch. The commanding officer inserts his special
key in this panel, then turns it to initiate the countdown to launch.